What is a good year of construction for a home?

The question “What is a good year for a house to be built?” seems simple, but the honest answer is: it depends. Every era has its charm—and its challenges.

As a purchasing coach, I help homebuyers look not only at the appearance of a home, but also at what is going on technically and financially under the hood. In this article, I explain the characteristics of each construction period, so you know which year of construction suits you best.

Pre-war homes (until approx. 1940) - Energy label: F&G

Advantages:

• Character, high ceilings, elegant details.

• Often built with solid materials and by skilled workers.

• Many homes in this category have now been completely renovated from the inside out. You can deduct this partially from the improved energy label.

Point to note:

• Poor insulation or non-existing.

• Old electrical wiring and pipes.

• Risk of foundation problems (especially in the Randstad area with wooden foundation piles). Please note: a foundation “on steel”(Fundering op Staal) does not mean metal, but building directly on sandy soil.

Target group: Ideal for those seeking atmosphere but willing to invest in maintenance.

1950s–1970s - Energy label: E&F

After the war, many homes had to be built quickly. This resulted in sturdy, but sometimes simply finished houses. In Amsterdam, for example, there is no longer a foundation code for these construction years—they are considered stable.

Advantages:

• Better foundation and construction.

• More spacious plots, solid construction.

• Often a separate storage room

Points to note:

• Moderate insulation, single glazing, cheaper materials.

• The glory days of asbestos or outdated central heating systems.

• Often block heating, which is a communal way of heating.

• Request an asbestos report, if available.

• Often a little further from the city center.

Target group: Good basic homes with potential for sustainability.

1980s–1990s – Energy label: B&C

Since the 1980s, foundations have been made exclusively from concrete—the best quality available. Houses from this period are known for their solid construction and practical layout.

Advantages:

• More attention to comfort and layout.

• Partial insulation is standard.

• Larger homes compared to pre-war homes and often more centrally located than in the 1970s.

• Better sound insulation.

• Often a storage room in the basement.

Points to note:

• Sometimes “standard” finish.

• Technically sound, but not always charming.

• Asbestos has been banned since 1993. Until then, asbestos may still be present in homes.

• Ceiling height often +/- 2.40 meters.

• Better sound insulation, but it does have contact noise.

• Given that these homes are now around 35-55 years old, a lot of major maintenance work is recurring. This means that caution is advised, especially when the homeowners' association contributions are low.

Target group: Ideal for those looking for a practical and reliable home with a reasonable energy rating.

2000–2020 – Energy label: A& higher

During this period, homes were technically very well developed. The focus was on comfort, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance.. Advantages:

• Good insulation and energy performance.

• Modern layout and installations.

• Often in a new neighborhood with many new people.

Points ot note:

• Sometimes less privacy because space is limited.

• Compact plots.

• Often outside the city center in a new neighborhood.

• Often district heating, which has only one provider.

Target group: Low maintenance, high efficiency — but often less character. Requires little to no maintenance.

After 2020 - Energy label: A+

New-build homes constructed in recent years are highly energy efficient and comply with the latest sustainability requirements. Since July 1, 2018, it has even been prohibited to connect new-build homes to the gas grid. Advantages:

• Highly energy efficient (often zero-energy).

• Gas-free, heat pump, and solar panels.

Points to note:

• Price level often high.

• Less choice and sometimes standard architecture.

Target group: Perfect for those who prioritize sustainability and comfort. Requires little to no maintenance.

Conclusion:

There is no such thing as a perfect year of manufacture. The most important thing is to know what you want to buy.

That's why I always help buyers with a realistic check:

• What is preferred in terms of the character of the home?

• How big should the house be?

• What is the preferred location?

• And what are the risks in terms of maintenance costs?

Would you like to know which construction period suits you best — in terms of style, maintenance, and energy consumption?

Plan a warming-up session or ask your question directly via app with a Personal Coach subscrition. Follow me on Instagram to receive information every week about the housing market and to get to know more about sustainability measures.